We began this archive as a means of assisting our visitors in answering
many of their health and diet questions, and in encouraging them to take a pro-active part
in their own health. We believe the articles and information contained herein are
true, but are not presenting them as advice. We, personally, have found that a
whole food vegan
diet has helped our own health, and simply wish to share with others the things we have
found. Each of us must make our own decisions, for it's our own body. If you
have a health problem, see your own physician.

Adequate magnesium status is critical for the health of both mother and
fetus during pregnancy. Magnesium deficiency during pregnancy is associated
with everything from bothersome calf muscle cramps to a potentially
life-threatening complication called eclampsia. So where is magnesium found?
Well, it forms the core of chlorophyll molecules, so--you guessed it--dark
green leafy vegetables, as well as beans, seeds and whole grains. So
researchers at the German Institute of Human Nutrition reasoned that women who
followed plant-based diets would have a better magnesium status and fewer
magnesium deficiency-related complications than those following the Standard
American Diet (SAD). And, that's exactly what they found.

They followed over a hundred women through their pregnancies and not only
did those following a plant-based diet indeed have "markedly" higher magnesium
intakes, but they had significantly fewer leg cramps during the second and
third trimesters. The researchers conclude that this is in line with the
"substantial evidence from many studies that plant-based or vegetarian diets
can reduce the risk for many nutrition-related diseases."[1]

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